Mike Monteiro

U.S. graphic designer and author

“Be clear (and enthusiastic) about what you do
Some people call this the elevator pitch. It’s actually the standing-around-at-drinks pitch. (No one wants to make small talk in an elevator. Creepy and invasive.) You need to be able to explain what you do very succinctly and in an interesting manner.”

“Look, money is hard. It took me years to get comfortable with the idea of being a financial grownup. And I doubt that many of you got into this business for the money. I’m guessing you’re here because you love design. But to practice your craft you need to keep the lights on, and you need your financial house in order. The more attention you pay to this stuff at the right time, the less of your overall day you’ll spend worrying and fretting about it. Don’t worry about money, deal with money.”